{{Short description|2010 video game}} {{Infobox video game |title = Raskulls |image = Raskulls cover.png |developer = Halfbrick Studios |publisher = Microsoft Game Studios |designer = Daniel Vogt |artist = Matthew Knights |released = December 29, 2010 |genre = Platform game, action |modes = Single-player, multiplayer |platforms = Xbox 360 }}
'''''Raskulls''''' is an action platformer video game developed by Halfbrick Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade. It was released on December 29, 2010. In ''Raskulls'', players must navigate through platform-based levels filled with blocks of varying shape and size. The characters must use their brick-breaking wands to create the fastest route to the end of the level.
''Raskulls'' received generally favorable reviews from critics. Reviewers praised the comic character design, humorous dialogue and emotions, and overall gameplay. Many reviewers praised the number of game modes and the multiplayer component as well, but some reviewers felt the game would not keep its novelty as it aged. Initial sales were high, with over 19,000 units sold during the month of its release. Year-end 2011 sales were in excess of 101,000 units.
==Gameplay== thumb|left|''Raskulls'' is a racing platform game which features competitive gameplay for up to four players. ''Raskulls'' is an action platform game where players must move through platform-based levels filled with blocks of different shapes and sizes.<ref name="joystiq interview">{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=April 14, 2009 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-04-14-joystiq-interview-halfbrick-studios-part-2.html |title=Joystiq interview: Halfbrick Studios (Part 2) |website=Engadget (Joystiq) |publisher=Yahoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418204655/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/14/joystiq-interview-halfbrick-studios-part-2/ |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> The objective is to complete the level in the shortest time possible.<ref name="joystiq interview" /> The Raskulls possess block-breaking wands, and the key to gaining an advantage is by using the character's wand against the blocks to create the most efficient path through the level.<ref name="joystiq interview" /><ref>{{Cite web |author=GamesIndustry International |date=June 12, 2009 |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/raskulls-first-gameplay-trailer-rolled-out |title=Raskulls (Preview) |website=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> When blocks are destroyed, remaining blocks fall and like-colored blocks combine in large blocks.<ref name="dev walkthrough">{{Cite web |last=Sterling |first=Jim |author-link=Jim Sterling |date=January 14, 2010 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-raskulls-campaign-developer-walkthrough/ |title=Exclusive: Raskulls campaign developer walkthrough |website=Destructoid |publisher=Gamurs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915211704/https://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-raskulls-campaign-developer-walkthrough-160527.phtml |archive-date=September 15, 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> When four or more gray block come into contact with each other, all touching gray blocks explode.<ref name="dev walkthrough" />
The single player campaign, known as Mega Quest, takes places over three game worlds. Players navigate from stage to stage using an overworld layout, similar to ''Super Mario World''. Once a level is selected, the game switches to a side-scrolling, platforming game.<ref name="gamerevolution preview">{{Cite web |last=Hudak |first=Chris |date=January 4, 2010 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/preview/45162-raskulls-preview |title=Raskulls Preview |website=GameRevolution |publisher=CraveOnline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105143132/http://www.gamerevolution.com/preview/xbox360/raskulls |archive-date=January 5, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> The game consists of ten game types which include Ammo Scrooge and Bomb Disposal.<ref name="gamerevolution preview" /> Both offensive and defensive items can be acquired during gameplay to traverse through levels and defeat opponents. One such item, known as Boosties, can be collected within each level which fill the character's Frenzy bar. When Frenzy is activated, the Raskull is powered with super speed while the Frenzy energy depletes.<ref name="joystiq interview" /> Multiplayer is either online via Xbox Live or up to four players locally via splitscreen.<ref name="joystiq interview" /> In addition to attempting to get the best time in a match, players can also use wands and powerups to throw other players off course or into environment hazards.<ref name="gamerevolution preview" /> Players can also level up their characters after multiplayer matches.<ref name="dtoid interview">{{Cite web |last=Bennett |first=Hollie |date=September 7, 2010 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/pax-10-raskulls-interview-with-phil-larsen/ |title=PAX 10: Raskulls interview with Phil Larsen |website=Destructoid |publisher=Gamurs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305073128/https://www.destructoid.com/pax-10-raskulls-interview-with-phil-larson-183140.phtml |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
==Synopsis== The game is set in the fictional world of the title characters, the Raskulls. An evil race of intergalactic buccaneers known as the Pirats have crashed-landed on the Raskulls' world in their search for the cheese planet. As the Pirats seek a source of fuel for their ship, their leader, Captain J. Turncoat, learns of the Shiny Stone, an object with incredible power. The Pirats fail in an attempt to steal the stone, and the Raskull King devises a plan to catch their enemies. A tournament is created in which the winner will receive the Shiny Stone as a surprise.<ref name="synopsis">{{Cite web |last=Larsen |first=Phil |date=March 22, 2010 |url=http://www.raskulls.com/2010/03/new-raskulls-trailer/ |title=Worldwide release of new Raskulls Mega Quest trailer! |website=Halfbrick Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715154901/http://www.raskulls.com/2010/03/new-raskulls-trailer/ |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> The original plan goes awry: a Raskull named Dragon sends a royal decree to Knight, who winds up getting beaten up by the Pirat henchmen. As per the contingency plan, Dragon emerges the victor of the tournament, but as he claims his prize the second place competitor, revealing himself as Captain Turncoat, punches Dragon in the face and makes off with the Shiny Stone.<ref name="the game">{{Cite video game |title=Raskulls |developer=Halfbrick Studios |publisher=Microsoft Game Studios |date=December 29, 2010}}</ref>
The Raskull king sends the Raskull known as Ninja to recover a previously unknown second Shiny Stone from an ancient tomb, under the condition that the latter does not take anything else. Along the way, Ninja encounters Wizard, who opens the door to the temple for him in exchange for a beverage called Jungle Juice; a mummy Raskull who assists in navigating the tombs; the Pirat henchmen Scurv and Barney, who are also searching for the second Shiny Stone; and the Temple Guardian, who attempts to incinerate Ninja with a laser that is reflected back by a mirror that Mummy finds. Stealing the second Shiny Stone from under Captain Turncoat's nose, Ninja is successful in his mission, and the king himself then sets out to recover the first Shiny Stone from the Pirats.<ref name="the game" />
During his journey he encounters opposition from some territorial Raskulls. The king is forced to complete each of the challenges given to progress. Also, Scurv and Barney try to drive him to insanity by hiding under a block and an antique vase, respectively. He eventually arrives at the Pirats' downed ship, which landed near an active volcano called Mount Madness, and recovers the first Shiny Stone only to find out that Captain Turncoat has stolen the second from his castle.<ref name="the game" /> The two run into each other on their journey back to their homes. During an initially awkward conversation, the king suggests a game of rock paper scissors to see who gets both Shiny Stones, but is forced to battle the Pirat captain as he pilots his choice, which turns out to be "ship with lots of cannons". When the machine is defeated, Turncoat pulls the second Stone from King. This enrages the latter enough to engage in fisticuffs with the former, only to have both Shiny Stones escape their grasp and fall into a pool of lava. The lava erupts, sending the king, the captain and the Pirat's ship flying upward.<ref name="the game" /> The captain kicks the king back to the ground and boards his ship as it reaches orbit. As the ship continues to gain momentum the crew discovers that the molten lava is actually cheese, indicating the Raskulls' planet was the cheese planet they were searching for. King falls back to the ground in front of his subjects, who sat watching the battle,<ref name="the game" /> but just after King comments on the battle being a "'cheesy ending'", Dragon reappears and throws a brick into King's face, knocking him out.
==Development and marketing== thumb|Developers designed various expressions to depict emotions on the Raskulls. ''Raskulls'' was announced for the Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, California held in Match 2009.<ref name="ign announcement">{{Cite web |last=Brudvig |first=Erik |date=March 27, 2009 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/27/raskulls-coming-to-live-arcade |title=Raskulls Coming to Live Arcade |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328220620/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/27/raskulls-coming-to-live-arcade |url-status=live }}</ref> Two promo images accompanied the press release and featured King and Dragon, two of the main characters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sterling |first=James Stpehanie |date=March 27, 2009 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/raskulls-announced-for-xbla-looks-adorable/ |title=Raskulls announced for XBLA, looks adorable |website=Destructoid |publisher=Gamurs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112604/https://www.destructoid.com/raskulls-announced-for-xbla-looks-adorable-126517.phtml |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> Following the initial reveal, character profiles were distributed among the gaming media to demonstrate the game's art style and humor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hillier |first=Brenna |date=April 28, 2009 |url=http://games.on.net/article/5705/Raskulls_costumed_skeletons_in_puzzling_platform_fun/ |title=Raskulls: costumed skeletons in puzzling platform fun! |website=Games On Net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121140522/http://games.on.net/article/5705/Raskulls_costumed_skeletons_in_puzzling_platform_fun/ |archive-date=January 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> A teaser trailer was also released which took a satirical view on traditional game trailers featuring "epic" music and bold statements, whereas the ''Raskulls'' teaser showed an abrupt change in tone as King is shown flexing his muscles in front of a mirror accompanied by elevator music.<ref name="teaser">{{Cite web |author=HDGamerz |date=May 13, 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb9Ybjt4IQk |title=Raskulls - Debut Teaser (HD) |website=YouTube |publisher=Google |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> Halfbrick released the first official trailer for ''Raskulls'' in June of the same year. The trailer showed various levels, characters and gameplay modes, including snippets of multiplayer. The game was originally slated for a Q3 2009 release, but it was later pushed back.<ref name="joystiq interview" /> In mid-2009 Halfbrick held a contest in which community members could design their own Raskull based on a template given by Halfbrick. The winning entry was a police-themed Raskull which was added to the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Larsen |first=Phil |date=January 11, 2010 |url=http://www.raskulls.com/2010/01/design-a-raskull-ended-with-a-police-raid/ |title=Design a Raskull ended with a Police Raid |website=Halfbrick Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404054145/http://www.raskulls.com/2010/01/design-a-raskull-ended-with-a-police-raid/ |archive-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
In 2010, Halfbrick posted a poll in February in order to choose the official cover for the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 17, 2010 |url=http://www.raskulls.com/2010/02/raskulls-box-art-competition-vote-to-win |title=Raskulls box art competition! Vote and comment to win! |website=Halfbrick Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309035734/http://www.raskulls.com/2010/02/raskulls-box-art-competition-vote-to-win/ |archive-date=March 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> The winning box art was revealed in March.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Richard |date=March 3, 2010 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-03-02-raskulls-box-art-decided-disappointing.html |title=Raskulls box art decided, disappointing |website=Engadget (Joystiq) |publisher=Yahoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208082824/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/raskulls-box-art-decided-disappointing/ |archive-date=December 8, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> On May 21, a ''Raskulls'' tournament took place at the Mana Bar in Brisbane, Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 21, 2010 |url=http://www.raskulls.com/2010/05/raskulls-rocks-the-mana-bar/ |title=Raskulls rocks the Mana Bar |website=Halfbrick Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110052922/http://www.raskulls.com/2010/05/raskulls-rocks-the-mana-bar/ |archive-date=November 10, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> It was next shown at Penny Arcade Expo East in Boston, Massachusetts in April, where it was again made playable to conference attendees.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Machinima, Inc. |date=April 2, 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmAtyvwx_cE |title=Inside Gaming Plus: Raskulls Interview with Phil Larsen at PAX East |website=YouTube |publisher=Google |access-date=December 20, 2010}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref> A second tournament at the Mana Bar was held on December 23, where winners received a free copy of the game upon its release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2010 |url=http://www.manabar.com.au/brisbane/events/raskulls-christmas-competition/ |title=Raskulls Christmas Competition |website=Mana Bar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101235121/http://www.manabar.com.au/brisbane/events/raskulls-christmas-competition/ |archive-date=January 1, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name="release" /> The game was also featured in Microsoft's Games for the Holidays promotion. As part of the promotion, additional content was made available if players also purchased ''A World of Keflings'' or ''ilomilo''.<ref name="crossover">{{Cite web |last=Orland |first=Kyle |date=December 3, 2010 |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/microsoft-offers-cross-game-content-for-holiday-promotion-purchasers |title=Microsoft Offers Cross-Game Content For Holiday Promotion Purchasers |website=Game Developer |publisher=Informa |access-date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> Players could also use the mascot from ''Destructoid'', a video game blog, which can be unlocked during the game's Mega Quest campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Larson |first=Phil |date=February 3, 2010 |url=http://www.raskulls.com/2010/02/mr-destructoid-joins-raskulls/ |title=Mr. Destructoid joins Raskulls! |website=Halfbrick Studios |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206020811/http://www.raskulls.com/2010/02/mr-destructoid-joins-raskulls/ |archive-date=February 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> ''Raskulls'' was released for the Xbox 360 on December 29.<ref name="release">{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Randy |date=December 2, 2010 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-12-02-a-world-of-keflings-raskulls-and-ilomilo-dated-for-xbla.html |title=A World of Keflings, Raskulls and ilomilo dated for XBLA |website=Engadget (Joystiq) |publisher=Yahoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204115255/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/a-world-of-keflings-raskulls-and-ilomilo-dated-for-xbla/ |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> In January 2011, Halfbrick released a downloadable content pack entitled ''Raskulls Reinforcements 1''. It contained four new playable characters: three Raskulls, Viking, Spaceman and Kitten, and one Pirat, Barney.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Product/Raskulls-Reinforcements-1/00000000-0000-4000-8000-000258410920|title=Raskulls Reinforcements 1 |website=Xbox.com |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 26, 2011}}</ref>
==Reception== {{Video game reviews | MC = 75/100<ref name="metacritic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/raskulls/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Raskulls for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |access-date=January 8, 2011 |archive-date=June 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250624173555/https://www.metacritic.com/game/raskulls/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |url-status=live }}</ref> | AVC = B<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teti |first=John |date=January 3, 2011 |url=https://www.avclub.com/raskulls-1798223394 |title=Raskulls |website=The A.V. Club |publisher=G/O Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106163248/http://www.avclub.com/articles/raskulls,49485/ |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | Edge = 6/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |author=Edge staff |date=January 4, 2011 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/features/raskulls-review |title=Raskulls Review |magazine=Edge |publisher=Future plc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107004014/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/raskulls-review |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=January 6, 2011 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-05-raskulls-review |title=Raskulls |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> | GI = 6.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |date=January 6, 2011 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/raskulls/b/xbox360/archive/2011/01/06/no-one-wins-in-these-chaotic-races.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109093419/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/raskulls/b/xbox360/archive/2011/01/06/no-one-wins-in-these-chaotic-races.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=January 9, 2011 |title=Raskulls Review |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | GamePro = 4/5<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Terones |first=Terry |date=January 3, 2011 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217762/raskulls/ |title=Raskulls |magazine=GamePro |publisher=GamePro Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105013657/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/217762/raskulls/ |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | GameRev = C+<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reboucas |first=Eduardo |date=January 4, 2011 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/49716-raskulls-review |title=Raskulls Review |website=GameRevolution |publisher=CraveOnline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317042110/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/raskulls |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | GSpot = 6/10<ref name="gamespot review">{{Cite web |last=McShea |first=Tom |date=December 30, 2010 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/raskulls-review/1900-6285794/ |title=Raskulls Review |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |access-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328235121/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/raskulls-review/1900-6285794/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | GT = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2011 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/tl6xix/raskulls-review |title=Raskulls |website=GameTrailers |publisher=Viacom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019122148/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/tl6xix/raskulls-review |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | GameZone = 6.5/10<ref name="gamezone review">{{Cite web |last=Grabowski |first=Dakota |date=December 29, 2010 |url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/raskulls/ |title=Raskulls Review |website=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410184817/http://xbox.gamezone.com/reviews/item/raskulls/ |archive-date=April 10, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> | Joystiq = 3.5/5<ref name="joystiq review">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Garrett |date=December 30, 2010 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010-12-30-raskulls-review.html |title=Raskulls review: Take my skull for a ride |website=Engadget (Joystiq) |publisher=Yahoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102153834/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/30/raskulls-review/ |archive-date=January 2, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> | OXM = 8/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hayward |first=Andrew |url=http://oxmonline.com/raskulls-review |title=Raskulls review |magazine=Official Xbox Magazine |publisher=Future US |date=February 2011 |page=78 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712094213/http://oxmonline.com/raskulls-review |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> | rev1 = ''The Escapist'' | rev1Score = 4/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Funk |first=John |date=January 11, 2011 |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/review-raskulls/ |title=Review: Raskulls |website=The Escapist |publisher=Gamurs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112150656/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/editorials/reviews/8521-Review-Raskulls |archive-date=January 12, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2022}}</ref> }}
===Pre-release=== In a preview of the game, ''CinemaBlend'' described ''Raskulls'' as a blend between ''Mario Kart'', ''Castle Crashers'', and ''Bomberman''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rigney |first=Ryan |date=June 12, 2009 |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/games/Mario-Kart-Castle-Crashers-Bomberman-Raskulls-18123.html |title=Mario Kart + Castle Crashers + Bomberman = Raskulls |website=CinemaBlend |publisher=Future plc |access-date=December 20, 2010}}</ref> It also drew comparisons to ''Mr. Driller''.<ref name="joystiq preview">{{Cite web |last=Hinkle |first=David |date=June 12, 2009 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2009-06-12-the-raskulls-bust-some-blocks-in-latest-trailer.html |title=The Raskulls bust some blocks in latest trailer |website=Engadget (Joystiq) |publisher=Yahoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208082738/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/the-raskulls-bust-some-blocks-in-latest-trailer/ |archive-date=December 8, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> It was praised by various members of the video game media. David Hinkle of ''Joystiq'' felt that the blending of genres in ''Raskulls'' could be a "dangerously fun combination".<ref name="joystiq preview" /> ''Destructoid''{{'}}s James Stephanie Sterling also praised the game in previews, stating that it may be one of the "hottest XBLA titles" of 2009.<ref name="destructoid preview">{{Cite web |last=Sterling |first=James Stephanie |date=June 12, 2009 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/raskulls-finally-gets-a-gameplay-video-we-jump-on-its-bones/ |title=Raskulls finally gets a gameplay video, we jump on its bones |website=Destructoid |publisher=Gamurs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305011013/https://www.destructoid.com/raskulls-finally-gets-a-gameplay-video-we-jump-on-its-bones-135920.phtml |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
===Post-release=== ''Raskulls'' received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.<ref name="metacritic" /> It received an Editor's Choice award from Peter Eykemans of ''TeamXbox'' who praised the re-playability factor of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eykemans |first=Peter |date=January 4, 2011 |url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1895/Raskulls/p1/ |title=Raskulls Review (Xbox 360) |website=TeamXbox |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104213639/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1895/Raskulls/p1/ |archive-date=January 4, 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
Tom McShea of ''GameSpot'' praised the game's humor. He stated that "the comedic timing is done exceptionally well" and said that ''Raskulls'' is overflowed with quirky touches.<ref name="gamespot review" />
Mixed views were given in regards to gameplay. Many reviewers felt that the overall gameplay mechanics were solid, but some reviewers felt that it was repetitive. ''Joystiq'' reviewer Garrett Martin felt the game had solid mechanics and well designed levels.<ref name="joystiq review" /> Dakota Grabowski of ''GameZone'' praised the game's puzzle mechanics.<ref name="gamezone review" /> Grabowski stated that the "best portions of ''Raskulls'' are when the game slows down and asks players to solve puzzles",<ref name="gamezone review" /> but felt that the game may not be able to hold a player's interest in the long-term.<ref name="gamezone review" />
Initial sales were high, with over 19,000 units sold during the month of its release.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Ryan |date=January 28, 2011 |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/console/in-depth-xbox-live-arcade-s-2010-sales-revealed |title=In-Depth: Xbox Live Arcade's 2010 Sales Revealed |website=Game Developer |publisher=Informa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201164901/http://www.gamerbytes.com/2011/01/indepth_xbox_live_arcade_sales_18.php |archive-date=February 1, 2011 |url-status=live |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref> Year-end 2011 sales were in excess of 101,000 units.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Langley |first=Ryan |date=January 20, 2012 |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php |title=Xbox Live Arcade by the numbers - the 2011 year in review |website=Game Developer |publisher=Informa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325034553/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php |archive-date=March 25, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 28, 2022}}</ref>
{{Clear}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Portal|Video games}} * {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20110715154708/http://www.raskulls.com/}} * {{moby game|id=/xbox360/raskulls}}
Category:2010 video games Category:Halfbrick Studios games Category:Platformers Category:Indie games Category:Microsoft games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:Side-scrolling video games Category:Video games about ninja Category:Video games developed in Australia Category:Video games with 2.5D graphics Category:Xbox 360 games Category:Xbox 360 Live Arcade games Category:Xbox 360-only games